Leclerc: Sochi not the best track to start on pole

Charles Leclerc has questioned whether gaining pole position for the track at Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix is an advantage or a disadvantage, moments after claiming P1 after finishing fastest in qualifying.

The Monegasque has been the fastest driver all week in the practice sessions, and kept the pace up to better Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel for pole on Saturday.

Due to the long straight and the opportunity for tows in behind after Lights Out, though, he doesn’t think P1 has the same benefit as perhaps other tracks.

“The car felt amazing,” Leclerc said in Russia.

“It definitely feels great to be back on pole, but I don't know if it's the best track to be starting on pole.

“The straight is very long after the start and tomorrow the start will be very important, as always. But here, it will be even more, because of the straight.”

The last Ferrari driver to claim four pole positions in a row was Michael Schumacher, when Leclerc was just three years old, but the Scuderia man admits he isn’t focused on such records at the moment.

Leclerc bests Vettel, Hamilton to take Russia poleRead more

“It definitely feels very special. But, I don't really want to think about those stats,” he explained.

“I just want to focus on the job. There's still a long way to go to tomorrow.

“It's definitely a good start - we've been competitive all week long. It's looking good for tomorrow.”

Since the summer break, Leclerc has been in excellent form, collecting straight victories in Spa and Monza before finishing second to Vettel in Singapore.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

New track applies to host F1 Dutch Grand Prix: 'Zandvoort is old junk'

• Yesterday 22:27

Max Verstappen 'excited' over new Red Bull F1 package at Austrian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 21:45

Mercedes bring Austrian Grand Prix upgrades after Lewis Hamilton 'reality check'

• Yesterday 20:53

Lewis Hamilton to get new Ferrari team-mate at Austrian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:12

Briatore sets Fernando Alonso Alpine deadline as F1 driver lineup set to be decided

• Yesterday 19:30

Lewis Hamilton to get monumental F1 title boost as FIA 'set to take immediate action' against Mercedes

• Yesterday 18:42